Transport

More than one in two Australians believe that taxi services are deteriorating, according to the Sydney University. The University has just released the findings of its latest quarterly national transport survey. Only 14 percent of Australians saw an improvement in taxi services in their local areas over the last 12 months, with 79 percent of regular taxi users reporting that they were worse or unchanged. "We need to rethink regulation of the whole taxi sector, as there are clearly a lot of people who are unhappy with the level of taxi services in their state," says Professor David Hensher, Director of the University of Sydney's Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies (ITLS), who produce the ITLS- Transport Opinion Survey (TOPS). "One of the major issues in the sector is that the person who owns the registration plates isn't necessarily the person who drives the vehicles". "This means there are a lot of drivers who have just arrived in Australia desperate for a job who don't speak English or know their way around particularly well. Some of this feedback is anecdotal, but we're hearing enough of it to suggest it's fact." Victorians, South Australians and Queenslanders experienced lower confidence in taxi services, with only 14 percent, 13 percent and 11 percent of residents reporting that services had improved over the last 12 months. "With the current taxi inquiry in Melbourne, the survey has really reinforced to us just how negative the public perception of this industry is," says Professor Hensher, who with the University's Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies has been working with the Victorian government on ways to improve the service as part of the inquiry. "The reliability of the service, the attitude of drivers and the poor maintenance of vehicles are major concerns in the taxi industry across Australia." Confidence in public transport in consumers' local areas reached its lowest point in the nine quarterly surveys since the TOPS project commenced, with a short-term transport confidence index of 86, compared with the previous result of 98 from the fourth quarter of 2011. "There are a number of reasons for this, including the recent state government changes in NSW and Victoria. These have produced higher expectations for change in transport. While there have been some changes, they are not as great as consumers had hoped," says Professor Hensher. The survey also reinforced feedback from last quarter that suggests consumers would prefer funding to concentrate on improving transport within cities rather than between them.

In a battle between five travellers - Daily Telegraph journalists in a car, on a train, bus, ferry and bicycle - the result  highlighted the desperate need for the state and federal governments to stop talking and start building infrastructure.It started at Sydney Town Hall at 5pm and ended at Parramatta Town Hall, for some more than 1 and a half hours later. Parramatta Rd and M4 - gridlocked in both directions for a number of hours - resulted in the car finishing last.It was a horror 99-minute journey across Sydney by car, despite Google Maps claiming it would only be a 28-minute trip.The government blamed "minor incidents on the M4" for the gridlock that stretched more than 10km between Burwood and Parramatta.Read the full story here...

With a blaring new colour scheme, the new $16,990 model continues a legacy dating back to the bike's launch in 1985, where it took race replica motorcycles to a new level. It was Suzuki's best-selling sportsbike in 2011 and is a direct link between the racetrack and the streets.Powered by a 750cc, 4 cylinder engine producing 110kW of power, the 2012 model features the latest Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve (SDTV) fuel injection system, delivering sharper throttle response along with improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.The Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (S-DMS) optimises engine output and provides riders a selection of two engine maps to suit the conditions or their riding preference. The GSX-R750's chassis has been designed with an emphasis on weight reduction and compactness to improve overall handling and provide an ideal power-to-weight ratio. The lightweight twin-spar aluminium frame, made from just five cast sections and cast swingarm, delivers superb cornering on both the road and racetrack, with optimal rigidity and unmatched accuracy. The GSX-R750 features inverted, lightweight Showa Big Piston Front-forks (BPF), developed on the racetrack for even more supreme handling. For greater stopping performance four-piston Brembo monoblock front brake calipers and 310mm dual floating discs are fitted along with a single piston rear brake caliper with a 220mm disc. The full function instrument cluster features an analogue tachometer, digital LCD speedometer and LED indicators, with a stopwatch and lap timer.

With impressive value-for-money, the DR650SE is now available in a distinctive new grey colour scheme as well as white. Giving riders plenty of low-to-mid range torque, the DR650SE is powered by a 644cc, four-stroke, air-cooled engine with electro-coated cylinder liner to minimise wear. The lightweight engine features electric starter and a five-speed transmission. The DR650SE is ideal for long haul trips as well as short bursts on the trail and provides a comfortable and enjoyable ride with its cushioned seat and aluminium footpegs. Its lightweight frame and long-travel suspension with 260mm of wheel travel tames tough terrain. The DR650SE is also learner approved, making it perfect for riders just starting out. Priced at $7,990, the Suzuki DR650SE is backed by a two-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.Although it's largely pitched as a street-legal trail machine, the DR650SE is also learner approved, making it an option for riders just starting out.

Sales bounced back last year, but one of Australia's top scooter retailers believes they will rise even further this year with public transport costs soaring 15 per cent. Industry figures released by the Feral Chamber of Automotive Industries show sales of bikes, all-terrain vehicles and scooters were up 3226 or 3 per cent to 109,067 while new cars sales dropped 2.6 per cent. FCAI executive director Ian Chalmers said scooter sales were up 8.9 per cent to 11,374 as people sought to "avoid high petrol prices and increasingly congested metropolitan roads". Major scooter retailer Joe Dercole says scooters sales will climb even higher this year. "I can't believe even more people aren't buying cheaper transport, especially with public transport costs rising" said Dercole Scootpoia business was the top seller of Vesa and Paggio scooters last year. "Scooter sales have come back, but not to pre-GFC boom levels. It's a bit like what happened with the solar scheme; people started importing cheap Chinese imports and they've failed. The dealers that are still surviving are those with name brands. I've seen 19 scooter shops come and go in Brisbane alone since I started selling scooters in 1995." Stephen Aldenton is a scooter convert who believes he's saved more than $12,000 on transport costs in the past six-and-a-half years since buying his 150cc Vespa. The retired army officer has even prepared an Excel spread sheet on the comparative costs of driving his car and scooter. "I've worked out the cost of running my old Mercedes is about 70c per kilometre and the Vespa is about 16c, so I save about 54c per kilometre," he said. "It's the best thing I ever did. Mind you, I get a bit wet when it rains and you have to watch out for the traffic - young girls in red cars in particular - and you have to keep your wits about you, but it's a good thing and I don't have any parking problems." Along with scooters, ATVs were also up (18.4 per cent to 3486), sales road and off-road motorcycles remained reasonably static throughout the year. Sales of road bikes recovered strongly in the fourth quarter, finishing the year 1.4 per cent ahead of 2010 with 38,628 sales. The only segment not to grow in 2011 was off-road motorcycles, with sales volumes declining4.5 per cent (1735 sales). Mr Chalmers said despite the decline in off-road segment sales, seven of the top 10 motorcycles remain off-road dirt-bikes. "Australians continue to embrace motorcycling as a favoured recreational activity, and off-road motorcycles fill this role particularly well. The off-road segment remains the second largest, accounting for 36,637 sales, almost 34 per cent of the total market," he said. Motorcycle sales in Australia peaked in 2008, when 134,279 motorcycles were sold. Japanese manufacturers continue to dominate sales. Honda was the number one brand, delivering 24,024 motorcycles to the end of December. Yamaha was in second position with 20,152 sales, followed by Suzuki (13,671), Kawasaki (9745) and Harley Davidson (6427). Honda's CRF50F was the most popular single model (2982 sales), followed by long-time favourite the Honda CT110 model, sold almost exclusively to Australia Post as a delivery bike. Honda's CBR250R was the country's most popular conventional road bike with 2172 sales. Mr Chalmers said the industry was looking forward to 2012, with an optimistic outlook for both sales and wider industry issues. "With favourable conditions continuing across regional areas, coupled with stable economic outlook, we see sales growing further in 2012," he said.

With the Christmas cheer almost here, NRMA Insurance is calling for drivers to take it easy when hitting the shops, with car park collisions expected to spike in December.NRMA Insurance claims data has revealed that in NSW last year, car park collisions in December spiked by almost 20 per cent above the annual average.The insurer's claims data also showed that last year:car park collisions accounted for one in seven of all collisions; and Thursday was the most common day for a car park collision, followed closely by Friday.NRMA Insurance spokesperson Emily Gatt said drivers may be getting caught up in the Christmas shopping frenzy and having an unnecessary collision."We understand that Christmas and the holiday period is already a busy time so we want NSW drivers to try and avoid adding extra stress to their lives. We recommend drivers obey the parking rules, take it easy when circling the car park for a space and be alert for other drivers. Typical parking collisions involved reversing into other cars, runaway shopping trolleys and scrapes with pylons and poles," Ms Gatt said.Shopping trolleys are a potential hazard in the car park with claims data showing that on average in NSW there are around 250 shopping trolley collisions per year.Ms Gatt added that with Christmas around the corner where car parks will be buzzing, we're asking people to be considerate of others and return trolleys to the designated area and be alert while driving.NRMA Insurance offers some tips for a less stressful Christmas parking experience:Obey the parking rules and traffic directions and be alert for other drivers who don't;When reversing in or out of a car space, go slow and don't just rely on your mirrors look over your shoulder as well;Reversing cameras and sensors can help, but drivers should still be aware of what's around them;If you can, reverse into a car space, so it's easier to see in both directions when pulling out;Do your bit by returning shopping trolleys to their bay;Use indicators every time you make a turn;Don't pull out around cars that are waiting to drive into a parking space be patient and give them room to move;If you hit a parked car, do the right thing and leave a note with your details;If you witness a collision, pass on any information you have to the innocent party.

... based on the latest testing from the NSW Road and Maritime Service's Crashlab. The Crashlab has started evaluating helmets beyond the AS/NZS1698 standard required to be sold in Australia and the results so far have the $550 Shark Evoline and $330 RJays SP2 heading the list.  More expensive and/or well-known brands - from Arai to Shoei and AGV - earn "above average" scores but can't match the above duo's "good" protection rating. The Crashlab research is being supported by Victoria's Transport Accident Commission and the NRMA insurance group.  And the value of a good helemt is the ability to save your life, swears Carsguide journalist Mark Hinchliffe, who crashed during a motorcycle test ride last year. "Try riding a 250kg motorcycle, plus 80kg rider over your helmet," Hinchliffe says. "That’s a real-world test you won't replicate in any lab. Unfortunately, I was the crash-test dummy. I’d fallen off my bike on a dirt trail in the Victorian Alps and the following rider chewing my dust ran into me. "My helmet was a Shoei Hornet DS which has the highest safety rating in the dual-sport category and I can vouch for that. Despite copping the front tyre and full weight of the bike and rider over the top of my helmet after hitting the deck at about 70km/h, the helmet is largely in tact. Although the peak and visor were torn off, there is no crack in the shell and, more importantly, no cracks in my head. "You should never wear a helmet that has been crashed and despite the absence of a shell fracture, it now permanently lives in my office as a reminder to always wear top-quality protective gear when riding. The helmet costs $799.95, which is money well spent," he says. Until now there has been no objective way of choosing the "best" helmet. All motorbike helmets sold in Australia must meet the AS/NZS 1698 standard, which is acknowledged as one of the most stringent in the world. The TAC's road safety manager Samantha Cockfield says the research is about giving motorcyclists a chance to evaluate what is true value for money. "Every helmet on the shelves is going to meet the Australian standard, but we're saying you can do better than that," she says.  And it's not just protection. Cockfield says the strongest helmet is still useless if it doesn't fit properly, which is why the Crashlab testing also assesses how well the helmets hang on to your head and how comfortable they are to wear. "The idea is riders should be able to find a helmet that fits and is within their price range, based on the Crashlab results," she notes. Helmet makers build models specifically to satisfy the standard of the country they are sold in, which is one of the reasons why the Australian testing results from those overseas.  It also means the cheaper (but DOT or Snell-approved) helmets available online aren't legal here. Riders who buy one and crash will have no recourse against the relevant local importer if they are hurt in a collision. To date the Crashlab has tested 31 helmets, based on sales popularity. The aim is to test the top 25 to 30 helmets each year. For more information go to www.crash.org.au or www.spokes.com.au.  

The 675cc three-cylinder F3 is the first middle weight sportsbike with ride-by-wire engine controls including four pre-set maps and one map with traction control that can be selected between eight different levels.The F3 675 will be available in three different colour schemes (red/silver, pearl white with red frame and black/metallic with red frame), for $17,990 ride away. It is scheduled for production in January with Australian delivery ion March.A limited edition F3 675 Serie Oro will be available by order only from February for $33,990 ride away.The Oro (gold in Italian) will be limited to 200 bikes worldwide and features gold finish in the frame plates, single-sided swingarm, forged aluminium wheels, air intakes, cooling vents, DID gold chain and gold individually numbered plate on the upper triple clamp.It also has an abundance of lightweight carbonfibre in the mudguards, dashboard cover, airbox and intake covers, fairing inserts, chain guards, swingarm protector, sprocket cover, fairing lower, and exhaust outlets.Attention to detail includes machine-polished clutch cover and frame plates, and solid-billet alternator cover and footpeg mounting brackets allowing full adjustability, while the seat covers are hand-made from leather and suede-effect alcantara.Oro comes with Ohlins upside-down forks, and TTX shock and steering damper plus Brmebo brakes, while the standard model has adjustable Marzocchi 43mm forks, Sachs piggy-back rear shock and Nissin/Brembo brakes.The Varese-based manufacturer claims the three-cylinder engine has a counter-rotating crankshaft previously only available on MotoGP motorcycles to improve balance and nimble handling.It has a high-revving, oversquare triple capable of 94kW of power at 14,500rpm and 71Nm of torque at 10,600rpm, with a 15,000rpm limit. The 260km/h F3 also features launch control for quick starts and electronically assisted shift for fast gear changes without having to close the throttle or use the clutch.As with all previous MVs, the frame is a mix of steel tubing and aluminium side plates. Mv Agusta claims it is the most compact mid-sized sportsbike, the lightest at 173kg with the shortest wheelbase of 1380mm.Prices of all MV models have come down since new importer, MV Agusta Imports, took over last year. Manager Kevin Beale says they have been able to negotiate better prices than the previous importer."MV Agusta is very keen to get back into Australia having lost the previous distributor," he says. "We told them what would need to be done to get a worthwhile market share and they made the decision to go ahead with our proposal."The bikes will be cheaper, but we have promised them more volume as a trade-off. There's been an excellent response to the cheaper prices. We were expecting some reluctance with the change in distributor but people seem to be able to cope with that."Beale says they will honour warranties on existing models after the previous importer the Paul Feeney Group relinquished MV Agusta and Cagiva last July. MV Agusta Imports now has dealers in all states.Visit: mvagustaimporters.com.auMV AGUSTA F3Prices: $20,000 (F3), $33,800 (Oro)Engine: 675cc, 12-valve 3-cylinder, 94kW/71NmTransmission: 6-speed, constant meshDimensions: 2060mm (L), 725mm (W), 805 (Seat), 1380mm (WB), 125mm (Clearance) Dry weight: 173kg Fuel tank: 16 litresBrakes: 320mm discs (front), 220mm disc (rear)Tyres: 120/70 - ZR17 (front), 180/55 - ZR17

The 1199 Panigale supersedes the 1198 and will be the first Ducati superbike with a name as well as numbers.Pronounced "Pan-ee-gah-lee", it refers to the Borgo Panigale area of Bologna, the home of the Ducati factory.The north-eastern Italian region is known as Motor Valley and includes the homes of other great motoring marques such as Ferrari, Lamborghini and Pagani and the famous Imola race track.Ducati will reveal its 2012 superbike at the EICMA International Motorcycle Show in Milan November. The company has been releasing in a drip-feed manner with the latest information being about the new "Superquadro" engine.No, it's not a four-cylinder, but an over-square (bore-to-stroke ratio) L-twin with capacity slightly higher at 1199cc rather than 1198cc. Power is up almost 20kW to 145kW with torque of 133Nm. It retains the Desmodromic valve control from previous engines, but everything else is new.The NEW engine also required a new and stronger six-speed gearbox. And for the first time in a top-of-the-range Ducati superbike it has a "wet", oil-bath clutch, so no more loud and annoying clatter when the clutch lever is pulled in.It also features a "slipper" function to prevent back wheel lock-up on downshifts/ Despite the extra power and new transmission, Ducati has extended major services from 20,000 to 24,000km.It will also be 10kg lighter thanks mainly to an aluminium twin-spar frame In a two-stage introduction of the bike to motorsport, the Panigale will compete in the 2012 FIM Superstock Championship and World Superbike in 2013.This gives Ducati more development time for the WSB version and keeps a lid on costs for teams competing with a 2012 version of the 1198. Dates for local release have not been announced.Ducati has also revealed more details on its 2012 range. The Mulistrada family will get more comfortable and longer seats while the top-of-the-line Multistrada 1200 S Touring (pitcured left) will get a titanium and black colour scheme.The 2012 Hypermotard 1100EVO SP (pictured right) will come with a Corse (race) Edition with high ground clearance, high-spec suspension, high bars and black Ducati Corse official colours.

A large range of new 2012 Kawasaki models featuring colour and graphic changes have also been released including the Ninja ZX-10R ABS, Ninja 1000 ABS, Z1000 ABS, Z750 and KFX450R Sports ATV. The new models are available now at Kawasaki dealerships.The Kawasaki KX250F this year marked the first mass-production use of separate function front fork (SFF) on a motocrosser. Now with the announcement of another first for 2012, the world's first dual injectors for a motocrosser, the 2012 Kawasaki KX250F sets the standard for what a race-winning quarter litre motocross bike should be.On the road bike front, the 2011 Ninja ZX-10R ABS has held the title of number one Supersports bike this year. With a new look colour scheme for 2012, Kawasaki is confident of continued success for the model.The Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS is another popular model. The 2012 offerings of the Ninja 1000 and its naked sibling, the Z1000 are now available as is the new Z750.Owing to its strong engine and sharp handling characteristics, the Kawasaki KFX450R is the ATV of choice for many top Australian and international ATV racers. The newly released KFX is now more appealing thanks to a racy new colour scheme. It is available now.